I sure hope the Minister’s desire for truth-telling applies to us… Minister Hoskins and the Ontario government have been dragging their heels. They have not been in any hurry to admit what went wrong in my sister Teresa’s case.

In November 2013, Teresa was forced into an Ontario long-term care home against her will. To hold them accountable, we filed a formal complaint with the Ministry of Health in April 2014. The complaint detailed the dreadful treatment received by Teresa from the Toronto Central Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) and her wrongful placement at the Rekai Centre, a Long-Term Care Home in Toronto, Ontario.

Heads should roll for what happened to Teresa, and the impact this has had on her — and on our lives when we stood up to protect her. It has been a nightmare. But the Ontario authorities have not owned up to their mistakes. They have not apologized for the harm caused. And there has been no effort to make restitution for the tens of thousands of dollars we have spent in legal fees to free Teresa from the Ontario “care” system and hold them accountable.

How many times can the Minister of Health turn his head, pretending he just doesn’t see?

Yes, ’n’ how many oceans must Teresa cross, before the truth rises to the surface?

Yes, ’n’ how many heartbeats must Teresa have, before the Ontario government says they are sorry?

Almost fifteen months later, we are still waiting for their report and their apology for the harm they’ve caused. The “up-evil” has wreaked havoc in our lives and compelled us to move from Ontario to British Columbia, where the rights of developmentally disabled are more respected (see Inclusion BC’s video at end).

Yes, ’n’ how many miles must Teresa walk, before the Ontario government admits where they stumbled?

Yes, ’n’ how many times must Teresa shimmy and dance, before the Minister admits that putting her away in a nursing home was an abuse of power?

Yes, ’n’ how many more “Teresa’s” will it take till the Minister acknowledges
that too many people with Downs have been robbed of their freedom?

Yes, ’n’ how many ears must one Minister have… Before he can hear our cries?

Human Rights Should Never Be Disabled.

Teresa’s petition on Change.org now has over 25,000 signatures — and yet the authorities are still not apologizing to Teresa — nobody is willing to admit what went wrong and how this abuse can be prevented in the future.

This clearly is a case where this poor woman`s rights were violated! Where is the accountability from the Canadian government. Is the CCAC not a government agency; I thought we were living in a democratic society. An apology and monetary compensation is very much appropriate in this case!!!

Shouldn’t a family member, willing to care for her sister, have the right to keep her out of an institution? Why should a caring relative not have custody of her sister if she chooses to assume this responsibility this? Care for a developmentally disabled person is more stimulating and educational in a one-to-one, loving relationship than in a larger,impersonal institutional setting.

How can we still be in denial of the humanity and rights of our neighbours? Minister Hoskins, your apology to Teresa will be an important acknowledgement of horrible error. Please also make it a promise this will never happen again.

It is unconscionable that a young woman like Teresa should be incarcerated when she has a family member willing and able to care for her. And putting her in among seniors too when she is young and full of life. Please review the decision and please don’t let this happen to anyone else.
Thank you
Brian Stedman